North Canterbury Mayors extend invitation to Local Government Minister
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
North Canterbury’s Mayors have extended an invitation to the Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty to return to the region to learn more about the issues it faces.
The mayors were responding to the announcement by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who put the brakes on some of the government’s reform programme.
This included asking McAnulty to report back on how to refine the Three Waters reforms.
McAnulty visited all three North Canterbury districts during his time as Associate Local Government Minister.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she would ‘‘always welcome’’ McAnulty back to have "a look and feel of our district and the services we need", such as roading and Three Waters.
"He comes from a small district like our own, so he does have an understanding of rural issues, we hope it transfers into his thinking and decision making."
She acknowledged the need to focus on the cost of living, but she was keen to see more detail of the government’s ‘‘re-focusing’’ of its priorities.
Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle said he would ‘‘wait and see’’ what comes of Hipkins’ announcement.
"It looks like he is saying and doing the right things, but I would like to know more - a lot more.
"I am grateful for the pause, but too often we have had this and then they have powered ahead and done what they wanted to do."
Mackle said he would welcome McAnulty back to learn more about the district’s challenges.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon put out a joint statement with Communities 4 Local Democracy (C4LD) chairperson Helen Worboys, re-enforcing their organisation’s position.
"All councils want the best outcomes for Three Waters in Aotearoa New Zealand, and we welcome the renewed opportunity for the Government to work with local councils on that solution."
The two mayors said C4LD had put together a "common sense" proposal which would deliver on the Government's objectives, while preserving the local voice and respecting property rights.
"We are confident that there's a way through this issue that every Kiwi would support, and we're keen to work in partnership with Government to get there."
Comment was also sought from Ngāi Tahu.
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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